Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has restated his administration’s commitment to strengthening a resilient and people-focused HIV response system as the state marked the 2025 World AIDS Day at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island.
Eko Hot News reports that the Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin described the commemoration as a moment that honours the resilience of Lagos residents, health workers, and community advocates leading the fight against HIV despite major disruptions earlier in the year.
He recalled the nationwide halt in community-based HIV services caused by the U.S. Stop Work Order, noting that the impact was deeply felt, especially by vulnerable groups. He, however, commended the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) and community networks for sustaining services despite challenges.
The Governor revealed that Lagos recorded 9,467 new HIV infections between January and September 2025, describing the figure as a critical warning that reinforces the need for stronger prevention, reduced stigma, and sustained access to treatment.
He added that many individuals who had previously disengaged from care have now been reintegrated into treatment programmes due to community outreach and renewed coordination across health teams.
Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, stated that the State is investing heavily in efforts to improve access to HIV treatment and expand scientific research for better community-level disease management.
He also disclosed that Lagos is working toward integrating HIV services into state and national health insurance schemes to reduce financial burdens on people living with HIV.
Earlier, LSACA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Folakemi Animashaun, noted that World AIDS Day remains a crucial moment for assessing progress, uniting stakeholders, and reinforcing the fight against HIV in an era of shrinking donor funding, misinformation, and emerging socio-cultural challenges.
She stressed that the event was not ceremonial but a strategic platform for policymakers, researchers, advocates, and community partners working to strengthen the state’s HIV response.
Top government officials, diplomats, lawmakers, and representatives of partner organisations were also in attendance, reaffirming their collective commitment to ending HIV as a public health threat in Lagos.
